Chapter I: Exploitation in the form of videograms

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L231-1

Article L231-1

French Cinema and Moving Image CodeIn force
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Updated 8 Nov 2023

A cinematographic work may be exploited in the form of videograms intended for sale or rental for the private use of the public after a period of four months from the date of its release in cinemas. The terms of the contract for the acquisition of the rights for this exhibition may derogate from this period under the conditions set out in the second paragraph. The terms of the contract for the acquisition of the rights for such exhibition shall stipulate the conditions under which a longer period may be applied in accordance with the procedures set out in the third subparagraph.

The setting of a shorter period is subject to the granting of a derogation by the President of the Centre national du cinéma et de l'image animée, in the light in particular of the results of the screening of the cinematographic work in cinemas, under conditions laid down by regulation. This derogation may not have the effect of reducing the deadline by more than four weeks.

Disputes relating to the setting of a longer period may be the subject of conciliation by the Film Ombudsman, as part of the tasks entrusted to him by articles L. 213-1 to L. 213-8.

Mariela Petrova

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Any time a strategic decision changes how the company is owned, governed or contractually bound — incorporation, fundraising, M&A, restructuring, shareholder agreements, or major commercial contracts. Earlier engagement always costs less than later remediation.

A notary (notaire) is a public officer who authenticates specific deeds (mainly real-estate transfers and certain family-law acts). A corporate lawyer (avocat) advises on strategy, negotiates and drafts company documents, and represents you in disputes. The two roles complement rather than overlap.

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The SAS (Société par Actions Simplifiée) is the default choice for most international structures: flexible governance, single shareholder allowed, no minimum capital, and works cleanly with foreign holding entities. We assess SARL, SA, SCI on the merits when the situation calls for it.

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Mariela Petrova

Mariela Petrova

Avocate au Barreau de Paris

Toque #C2396

15+ Years In Corporate Practice

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Communications protected by professional secrecy — secret professionnel de l'avocat, Article 66-5 of the Law of 31 December 1971.

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